Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me: “Say to all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted? And when you eat and when you drink, do you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?

Zechariah 7:4-7

Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me: “Say to all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted? And when you eat and when you drink, do you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves? Zechariah 7:4-6

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a unassisted review of Zechariah 7:4-7, which the commentary outlines as the second of five divisions for the text 7:1-8:23 (7:1-3/8:18-23, 7:4-7, 7:8-10, 7:11-14, 8:1-17).  Here, in response to the people of Bethel who had sent "Sharezer and Regem-melech and their men to entreat the favor of the LORD" to inquire about weeping and abstaining (fasting) (vv2-3), God responded rhetorically, challenging those who are not following God's words (see post yesterday), but instead following their own wishes or what they think God wants - focusing instead on external behaviors vs a heart condition.  Expanding on His response, in v7, God refers to what He has previously told His people.  God's wants us to come to Him with a love and devotion to Him, and a love of others that flows from a love of the One True God that seeks justice and mercy and care for one another.  Looking ahead, v8 confirms what God wants and when we do look back at what God has shared with the former prophets that came before Zechariah, Hosea 6:6, and 1 Samuel 15:22 reinforce this emphasis on what God seeks from us: not ritual or ceremonial law such as sacrifices or fasting (certainly not in and of itself), but rather "steadfast love" of God, "knowledge of God," and obedience to God's Word.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me.   Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love, grace, and compassion.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore love truth and peace. "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.' Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

Zechariah 7:1-3 and 8:18-23

Therefore love truth and peace. "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.' Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" Zechariah 8:19b-23

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 7:1-3 and 8:18-23, which the commentary outlines as the first of five divisions for the text 7:1-8:23 (7:1-3/8:18-23, 7:4-7, 7:8-10, 7:11-14, 8:1-17).  Here the commentary emphasizes how, building on my post yesterday, a heart transformation is required to more fully experience God.  The commentary describes this first division as "framing" the entirety of the text and how God transforms fasting - which God's people did to commemorate events and periods in Jerusalem's history when the temple was destroyed - into feasting, which is described in the latter verses of chapter 8.  The commentary further describes how God did not require such fasting - only during Yom Kippur (see Leviticus 23:16-32) was fasting commanded. It shares that "[God] can take the most difficult circumstances, the most broken times of your life, and turn them into times of feasting and fruitfulness through His power....experiencing God’s living presence requires deep transformation in our lives."  We must fully surrender our lives to God and seek Him daily through scripture reading, study, prayer, corporate worship, service, and other spiritual disciplines. We must seek God with a "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6) to transform our hearts (Romans 12:2) into more of His image and so that we can best be able to understand His will for our lives.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for working in my heart and mind to transform me into more of Your image - I know there is more work to do but I am grateful for what You have done - particularly that You have saved me and given me more of a hunger and thirst for righteousness.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of Your heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore love truth and peace. "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.' Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

Zechariah 7:1-3 and 8:18-23

Therefore love truth and peace. "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.' Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" Zechariah 8:19b-23

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 7:1-3 and 8:18-23, which the commentary outlines as the first of five divisions for the text 7:1-8:23 (7:1-3/8:18-23, 7:4-7, 7:8-10, 7:11-14, 8:1-17).  In an effort to better understand the first division, I reviewed the entirety of 7:1-8:23 and here one can see in chapter 7 God's people seeking answers on how to approach ceremonial law (specifically fasting), and how God, while He does care about external behavior, He is most concerned about our heart condition and that we focus on the most important commandments that we love Him first then love others - see also Psalm 50:8; Hosea 6:6; Psalm 51:16; Psalm 40:6–8; Isaiah 1:11–31; Jeremiah 7:21–23; Hebrews 10:4–10.  When you turn to chapter 8, you see a prophecy of a peaceful and prosperous Israel.  Of note in 8:18-23 is v23 where God's people draw others to Him because others see God in them.  For believers, we should be a light and draw others to Him. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and loved me first, while I was still hostile and an enemy of You.  Thank You Jesus!  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You and others as You love me.  Help me be a light to others.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”

Zechariah 6:1-15

“And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.” Zechariah 6:15

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 6:1-15, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15). The commentary describes the eighth vision from the Lord given to Zechariah and that this vision "indicates that God’s justice was brought to the wicked nations that have oppressed Israel. Following this last vision, God acts to give hope to His people."  It discusses how God's judgement over those who oppressed His people, in this instance specifically Babylonia (to the north), is complete and satisfied (at rest - v8). The commentary then describes how the text offers renewed hope and encouragement for God's people to continue their efforts to rebuild the temple. God will work through Joshua and Joshua will lead God's people. The commentary shares how vv12-13 provide a messianic prophecy referred to as "the Branch" where:

• "He will build the temple of the Lord (v12)
• He will be clothed with majesty and glory (v13)
  
• He will sit and rule on his throne as a priest (v13)
  
• He will unite the role of priest and king, creating “peaceful counsel between the two of them” (v 13)"
  

The commentary concludes by sharing how the text offers both a reminder and emphasizes a promise from God in v15 how we will be blessed if we "diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God." We are referred to Deuteronomy 28:1 where this same promise is made.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who will never leave or forsake me and You offer mercies that are new every morning that never cease!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa from her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”

Zechariah 6:1-15

“And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.” Zechariah 6:15

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 6:1-15, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15).  Here Zechariah's visions from the Lord continue as he has a vision of four chariots coming out from mountains of bronze, and these chariots are being led by four horses of different colors - all traveling to the four winds of heaven.  Their purpose was to patrol the earth - suggesting protection for Israel and God's people.  God's Spirit is at rest in the north country.  As the vision continues, the Lord calls for specific exiles - Heldai (mentioned once in scripture - 1 Chronicles 27:15, during the period when Solomon is charged to build the first temple), Tobijah (also mentioned once in scripture - 1 Chronicles 17:8 during the reign of Jehoshaphat when the Book of the Law was taken throughout the land for instruction of the people), and Jedaiah (who is mentioned not just in 1 Chronicles, but also in Ezra and Nehemiah - which focus on the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem by God's people who have returned from exile) to return from exile to make a crown and set it upon Joshua (same Joshua from Haggai and earlier chapters in Zechariah).  Joshua is once again anointed as special in his role to lead the temple reconstruction effort and God's people - although once again we should be reminded that he was not a particularly extraordinary man but used by God nonetheless.  Joshua will sit on the throne.  God's hand in the reconstruction effort will be undeniable - see v15.  Believers do not deny that God exists, is real and reigns over all, and that He sent His Son sent to seek and save the lost, and that His Son Jesus died on the cross for the sins of all humanity so that we can have forgiveness of sins now and eternal life. Yet many doubted and denied God during the time of the temple reconstruction and many still do.  Similar to when the temple reconstruction took place, believers are to be a light such that it is undeniable that God exists and reigns, etc. We exist to glorify God.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - giving me hope in my daily battle with sin.  Thank You Jesus!  Amazing grace indeed!  I am not deserving of such hope.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the angel who talked with me came forward and said to me, “Lift your eyes and see what this is that is going out.” And I said, “What is it?” He said, “This is the basket that is going out.” And he said, “This is their iniquity in all the land.”

Zechariah 5:5-11

Then the angel who talked with me came forward and said to me, “Lift your eyes and see what this is that is going out.” And I said, “What is it?” He said, “This is the basket that is going out.” And he said, “This is their iniquity in all the land.” Zechariah 5:5-6

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 5:5-11, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15).   The commentary provides historical context for sin and iniquity of the people at the time of this text: "They were cheating one another and being dishonest in business. Prior to the exile, Amos decried the same type of dishonesty[.]"  We are referred to Amos 8:4-7 for more details on the deceitfulness of the people. The commentary, consistent with the resource I used in my post yesterday shares more on Shinar, and how this represents Babylon, where wickedness "has a place of honor": "wickedness, which is so offensive in the promised land, has a home and a place of honor in Babylon. In Scripture Babylon is not just the place of Israel’s exile. It also represents sin, idolatry, rebellion, and wickedness....from the beginning to the end of Bible, Babylon signifies sin....The removal of idolatry prepares Israel for the second coming of Christ, the final conflict between God and all the nations of the earth with Babylon at the center, and Christ’s millennial reign, as portrayed in Revelation 19–20."  As I posted yesterday, we can be encouraged that in our daily battle with sin, God makes us aware of our sin and gives us the power to overcome sin - see Ephesians 6:10-20 for how we are to put on the whole armor of God in our battle.  The commentary concludes by emphasizing that God not only convicts us of our sin and cleanses us, He also does so for unbelievers, and He "continues to produce the fruit of God’s holiness in our lives and transforms us into the image of Jesus. By the Spirit, believers are able to “put to death the deeds of the body” and live holy lives - see also Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 3:18, and Romans 8:13.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is full of amazing grace to reveal and convict our hearts of our sin, and soften our hearts so that we run into Your arms for forgiveness and salvation....thank You Jesus!  Amazing grace indeed!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the angel who talked with me came forward and said to me, “Lift your eyes and see what this is that is going out.” And I said, “What is it?” He said, “This is the basket that is going out.” And he said, “This is their iniquity in all the land.”

Zechariah 5:5-11

Then the angel who talked with me came forward and said to me, “Lift your eyes and see what this is that is going out.” And I said, “What is it?” He said, “This is the basket that is going out.” And he said, “This is their iniquity in all the land.” Zechariah 5:5-6

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 5:5-11, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15).  Building on yesterday's post which focused on how God reveals our sin to us, which of course is a good thing so that we can repent and have God forgive us and free us from the cycle of sin, guilt, shame, more sin, etc, in today's text Zechariah experiences a vision from God where God takes away the sin of His people (iniquity in all the land - v6). The text also references in the vision the land of Shinar (v11) as where this sin is taken.  This resource discuss how Shinar appears throughout scripture and how in Zechariah 5 specifically, Shinar represents "the suppression of wickedness and its banishment to Shinar/Babylon."  The suppression and banishment of sin is part of a broader gospel theme that brings hope to all of humanity that despite how everyone experiences a daily battle for our souls (over sin), believers who accept God's free gift of salvation can rest in the confidence knowing that the victory over sin and death is already won and we can draw from this confidence. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has already defeated sin and death and saved me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings associated with this gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”

Zechariah 5:1-4

Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.” Zechariah 5:1-4

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 5:1-4, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15).  The commentary is brief for this text but shares that in Zechariah 5, "we see the sixth and seventh visions that the Lord showed His prophet. These visions go together. Some interpreters see them as one vision because they work together to provide one message. In the sixth vision, recorded in Zechariah 5:1-4, the prophet sees a flying scroll, which represents the power of the Spirit to reveal sin....The flying scroll filled with charges and judgments is a reminder that evil offends God. He looks, He knows, He cares, and He judges when God’s people cheat one another or steal or fail to tell the truth....The Lord promises swift and severe judgment for the sin of the people, banishing thieves from the land and bringing complete destruction to the house of those who swear falsely by His name."  Certainly, we should all be aware of our sin.  The hope is that God softens our hearts to repent of our sin and turn towards Him.  Believers and non-believers alike can then run into the arms of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins and salvation.

Comment and discuss this sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good - SO good.  You don't just reveal sin but You forgive sin and save - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the mercies that are new every morning and never cease.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”

Zechariah 5:1-4

Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.” Zechariah 5:1-4

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 5:1-4, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15).  Here Zechariah's visions continue as he delivers a message from the Lord about a "curse that goes out over the face of the whole land."  This curse is directed towards those who steal and swear falsely by God's name.  We don't know why only these sins are the scope of God's judgement and we also don't know the details of the curse.  We do know that a specific form of blasphemy (of God's name) is treated very harshly in scripture.  Believers are exhorted to not "mess with fire" here as not being forgiven lends itself to condemnation...eternally.  In general, the broader question at hand is whether we should deliberately, willfully, and consistently commit sin.  Of course we should not.  We are in a daily battle for our souls (see 1 Peter 5:8) and we should remain in Him through daily exercise of spiritual disciplines such as reading and study of God's word, prayer, etc. Such efforts and reverent fear of God serve as a preservative against sin.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who protects from the dark forces of this world - thank You Jesus and for Your Advocate - the Holy Spirit.  I am not deserving of protection nor salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.     

Then I said to him, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?” And a second time I answered and said to him, “What are these two branches of the olive trees, which are beside the two golden pipes from which the golden oil is poured out?” He said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”

Zechariah 4:11-14

Then I said to him, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?” And a second time I answered and said to him, “What are these two branches of the olive trees, which are beside the two golden pipes from which the golden oil is poured out?” He said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:11-14

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 4:11-14, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 4:1-14 (4:1-7, 8-10, 11-14).  The commentary provides the following title for this division: God’s Spirit Uses the Unlikeliest People.  It then shares that, "[w]hile the identity of these two men is not explicitly mentioned in this text, the context strongly indicates they must be Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the High Priest (Barker, “Zechariah,” 631). Zerubbabel, a member of the line of David, embodies the political leadership of Judah. Joshua the High Priest, whom we met chapter 3 and will meet again in chapter 6, personifies the spiritual leadership of God’s people."  The commentary then pivots to describe both Zerubbabel and Joshua is unlikely candidates to be chosen as "anointed."  Consistent with my previous post, the commentary shares that this is the point of the gospel is that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things in this case to rebuild the temple which had been destroyed by Babylonia. The commentary points to other ordinary men in scripture through whom God accomplished great things including Shamgar (Judges 3:31) single-handedly delivered Israel from the Philistines: "[h]e won a great victory by killing 600 Philistines with nothing more than an oxgoad, a stick sharpened at one end to drive along slow-moving oxen."  The commentary then concludes by emphasizing that we should be encouraged by this text to see how God, not through our own strength or capabilities, but through our weaknesses and frailties, accomplishes great things through our daily lives which we should surrender to Him for direction and guidance. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion for me - saving me and blessing me unimaginably!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You made me one of Your elect - I am broken and sinful - yet You made me one of Your elect and use me for Your glory - amazing.  Thank You Jesus!  Again I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

P.S.  I "cheated" today by not doing an unassisted review (no commentary) of the text.  I immediately struggled with the two anointed in the text and who they were really wanted to better understand this and leaned on my commentary.

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.”

Zechariah 4:8-10

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:8-10

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 4:8-10, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 4:1-14 (4:1-7, 8-10, 11-14).  The commentary starts by giving this division the title God’s Spirit Overcomes the Smallest Beginnings.  It then shares this background about the status of temple reconstruction while describing how God's word to His people that Zerubbabel would complete the temple must have been encouraging: "[Zerubbabel] had started on the rebuilding project a number of years before, in 537–536 BC (Ezra 3:8-11; 5:16). When the rebuilding began, the priests had dressed in their robes and held trumpets while the Levites stood with cymbals in hand to lead the people of Israel in praise. Together, the people shouted and gave thanks to the Lord for His goodness and His eternal love. There had been tremendous celebration when the foundation of the Lord’s house had been laid. Now the year was 519 BC. Over 17 years had passed, and the foundations had become a bitter visual testimony to an unfulfilled hope."  Referring to the day of small things in v10, the commentary shares about the incomplete temple: "[t]he Lord’s message for Zerubbabel was that when His Spirit touches something that looks small and inconsequential, God will do something significant." We are encouraged to look at the work God lays before us in our lives and see how God and His Spirit encourages us and strengthens us to press forward.  We are referred to 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Matthew 17:20 to see how we exist to glorify God in all of our daily endeavors and how small faith moves mountains - so strive to remain encouraged (see also Philippians 1:6). 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me, providing all that I need to complete the work You ordain for me - thank You for the provision and encouragement to finish the race!  I am not deserving of how You provide, encourage, etc.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Help me love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.”

Zechariah 4:8-10

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:8-10

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 4:8-10, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 4:1-14 (4:1-7, 8-10, 11-14).  Here, God continues to deliver a message of encouragement to God's people to finish rebuilding the temple after its destruction by the invading forces of Babylonia, who also took God's people captive.  God saw Zerubbabel (governor of Judah) as a righteous (see also Haggai 2:20-23) leader and as such God sought for His people to follow this leader in the effort to rebuild the temple - Zerubbabel was ordained by God for his role and the mission to complete the rebuilding. The day of small things suggests that many would view Zerubbabel as merely a man, ordinary perhaps, but God wants us to see how He uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary - similar to how Jesus came as a baby in as humble circumstances as one could expect, but would nonetheless fulfill prophecy as the promised Messiah.  We should also look to Matthew 17:20 for scripture that describes how even small measures of faith "move mountains"  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the mercies and encouragement that arrive daily and never cease through a reading of Your Word!  I am encouraged and grateful at the same time.  I am not deserving as my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

Zechariah 4:1-7

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” Zechariah 4:6-7

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 4:1-7, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 4:1-14 (4:1-7, 8-10, 11-14).  Here, I find myself grateful that I have my commentary available to me as it provides a more learned viewpoint on the text vs one that I possess without the commentary.  My reading yesterday of the text suggested a messianic prophecy, which the commentary does not directly see.  Of course the Holy Spirit - representing one person of the Trinity which contains Jesus - is a primary actor in the text.  However, per the commentary, Jesus is not seen in the text as I saw it yesterday.  The commentary shares how the lampstand "seems to be similar to the one in the tabernacle described in Exodus 25:31-40 or to the 10 lampstands that were in Solomon’s temple as described in 1 Kings 7:49."  The purpose of the bowl, working in conjunction with the olive trees, with the lampstand is to "pour [oil]... down from the... [bowl's] channels into the lamps in an abundant supply. Zechariah also sees olive trees standing on either side of the lampstand, one to the right and other to the left....Instead of requiring human effort to keep the lamps burning, the Lord has provided a perpetual supply of oil.....The golden lampstand symbolizes God’s people, Israel. The oil—produced by the olive trees, supplied by the suspended bowl, and delivered by the 49 channels—represents the work of Holy Spirit, empowering Israel to be a light to the nations, directing them to God.....The vision portrays an endless supply of God’s Spirit, an endless supply of God’s power for His people to accomplish God’s purpose, supplied by God Himself. In the vision the bowl is above the lamp.  This indicates that God’s power is not something that human beings work up. God’s power is something that He sends down. When the channels are open in our lives to receive His Spirit’s power, He is ready to send down everything we need to do His work."  The commentary then pivots to explore v7b where it describes the "mountain" of opposition God's people faced rebuilding God's temple and how contemporary believers face similar opposition in the face of the work God calls them to do.  It shares: "There may be a mountain you have faced for years, just as Zerubbabel faced the mountain of the incomplete temple. Each day of continued opposition and the increasing sense of defeat makes the mountain seem larger and more overwhelming. By now, you may think that you simply will never overcome it. And, in the deepest sense, you are right. You cannot overcome your obstacle. You cannot flatten the mountain on your own. But the Holy Spirit of God can overcome it. He lives inside of you, and He will empower you. The greatest obstacles can be conquered. As you trust in Him, God’s Spirit conquers even the greatest of obstacles." Amen!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who encourages and strengthens me for the role in which You place me - whether that be in my family, in the workplace, or elsewhere.  Thank You for equipping, encouraging, and strengthening me.  I am not deserving of how You bless me. My sins are great and they continue...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

Zechariah 4:1-7

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” Zechariah 4:6-7

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 4:1-7, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 4:1-14 (4:1-7, 8-10, 11-14).  Here, Zechariah's visions from the Lord continue to unfold - this time with a vision of a Golden Lampstand as noted by the text's header.  Zechariah is talking with an angel who seeks to have Zechariah focus on a lampstand that is before him.  Per vv1-3, the lampstand is of all gold, has a bowl on top of it, seven lamps, each with seven lips, and two olive trees beside it - one on the left and one on the right. The use of lampstands (see also other scripture references here) suggests a holy place such as the tabernacle or temple, a place where we see the presence of God.  Similarly the use of olive trees suggests provision or abundance, of course provided by God alone as a result of His grace and blessing for His people in return for their obedience to Him. Vv6-7 are key as the angel shares with Zechariah what the significance and meaning of this vision.  The Lord will deliver a message to (and through) Zerubbabel (governor of Judah and through whom Jesus descends - see also Matthew 1) that the almighty God is coming through the Spirit (Messiah) and similar to John 1:23 (see also Isaiah 40:3-4), we are told to "make straight the way of the Lord" suggesting easy passage for the coming messiah - Zechariah's vision shares (4:7) how the wilderness will become a plain.  Accompanying the Spirit will be "the top stone" suggesting the cornerstone - the coming Messiah.  This Spirit will arrive "amid shouts of Grace, grace to it."  This shouting calls to mind similar shouting of hosanna by those greeting the arrival of Jesus on a donkey on Easter.  Believers know that such a vision is indeed a prophecy of the coming Messiah and Jesus fulfills this prophecy!  He is the promised One and Hope!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope that You are and for Your faithfulness to fulfill all the promises and prophecies You make.  You are indeed faithful and I can count on You.  Thank You!  I am not deserving of Your faithfulness.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.     

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.”

Zechariah 3:1-10

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.” Zechariah 3:8-10

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 3:8-10, which the commentary outlines as the sixth of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  The commentary shares God Wants Us to Feel Forgiven When We Are Forgiven as the title for this division.  As posted yesterday, the commentary shares how the text, through the use servant and the Branch, describes a messianic prophecy pointing towards Jesus.  The text also describes a stone in v9, and the commentary shares how this stone is referred to elsewhere in terms of pointing towards Jesus (see also Psalm 118:22-23, Zechariah 10:4, and Daniel 2:34-35). As the commentary wraps for the text, it shares that in v10 "[t]he image of each Israelite sitting under his own vine and fig tree is a common Hebrew figure of speech expressing absolute peace (see 1 Kings 4:25; Isaiah 36:16; Micah 4:4). The text moves from Joshua in the filth of his sin to every Israelite enjoying the blessings of peace and harmony with the Lord."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that provides a peace that surpasses understanding - this is unquestionable!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and peace.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.”

Zechariah 3:1-10

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.” Zechariah 3:8-10

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 3:8-10, which the commentary outlines as the sixth of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  These verses of course offer a clear messianic prophecy - that God "will bring my servant the Branch."  Branch is then capitalized, indicating that this is a specific, named, and significant branch.  God's message will be engraved on a single stone with seven eyes, and this number in scripture is often referred to as perfection, rest, abundance - all attributes of Jesus.  This Branch will "remove the iniquity of this land" and God's people will - through the Great Commission - "invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree." See also John 15 where Jesus is referred to as the True Vine.  Thank You God for sending Your Son to seek and save the lost!  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who came to save me!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation!  I am not deserving of such a gift and the blessings that come with this gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And the angel of the LORD solemnly assured Joshua, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here.

Zechariah 3:1-10

And the angel of the LORD solemnly assured Joshua, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. Zechariah 3:6-7

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 3:6-7, which the commentary outlines as the fifth of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  The commentary first describes this division with the title Satan Wants Us to Feel Guilty When We Are Forgiven.  It then shares how the Lord sought to reassure Joshua that indeed his sins were forgiven as Satan seeks to seed doubt in this regard: “ this instance the Lord is countering any lingering accusations of Satan regarding Joshua’s guilt by providing a solemn declaration that the high priest was not only cleansed but ready for renewed ministry.”  The commentary then describes two preconditions and three results based on completion of the preconditions: “ The Lord’s “instructions” speak of Joshua’s duty as a priest to fulfill the requirements of his office. In response to Joshua meeting these two conditions, the Lord promised the following results:”

The preconditions included personal righteousness and fulfillment of priestly responsibilities.  If satisfied, God would provide Joshua ability to lead God’s people, authority over the temple, and access to God.  The commentary for this division concludes with the point that although Joshua’s forgiveness was unconditional, this does not mean that Satan will not continue to seed doubt about how he views us as uncondemned (see Romans 8:1): “ God has great plans for us once we have been cleansed. But Satan wants to make us feel like we are still what we once were. He will bring up our past. He will bring up our failures. He will bring up our weaknesses. He will bring people into our path to discourage us. Or he will stir up our own self-doubts so that we negate ourselves. Once we are forgiven, Satan will often use misplaced guilt—the phantom pain over sin that God has already forgiven—in order to keep us from being used by God. That is why forgiven people need to be reminded of who they have become through Jesus Christ. We are no longer guilty. We are forgiven.”

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You are available to me as promised here - thank You Jesus!  What an incredible assurance.  I am not deserving of such access and the associated blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.